Another black mark for the Highway Patrol?

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Trooper Michael Potts

September 14, 2010 8:57:14 PM PDT

RALEIGH --

A trooper based out of Troop C in Raleigh is on administrative duty as the state Highway Patrol launches an internal investigation.Michael Potts admitted to ABC11 Eyewitness News Tuesday that he is on administrative duty, but would not say why.

Potts patroled Raleigh and surrounding areas before being put on desk duty Monday.

The Highway Patrol's image has been tarnished recently by embarrassing reports of trooper misconduct.

Recent problems include a major who resigned after sending sexually explicit text messages, a captain fired for drunk driving, a sergeant fired for abusing his patrol dog and others dismissed or forced to resign for shooting a cat, lying in court and being investigated in the sexual assault of a driver.

Recently, Governor Bev Perdue appointed a committee to help overhaul the Highway Patrol and prevent future misconduct.